Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Gauge installed...low fuel psi...decisions???

[sljohn]

Just put in gauges this weekend... fuel pressure is 10 psi @ idle, 7 @ cruise, and 4 @ WOT. Wondering what I should do. I think I read that 5 psi @ WOT is the limit. If I take it to the dealer and they do their test and conclude it's not bad enough, they will probably charge me for their time. Then I guess I would be out that money plus the cost of a new lift pump. The gauges are my first mod, but I've got a MAD ECM coming this week and a Scotty II. Anybody face this after installing gauges? What do you think the dealer will do? I'm around Austin, Tx anyone had a good experience with a dealer who has a diesel tech?



Steve

 

[PC12Driver]

I ran into the same thing. I put my FP gauge in and found out that my lift pump was weak. I bought a new pump from Cummins (about $140) and my larger fuel lines from Wildcat (about $120) and did it myself. If you put in gauges you can swap a pump, and then you don't have to worry about messing with the service monkeys at the dealer and how they really treat your truck. Two years and about 200 hp added later and I still have good fuel pressure with that setup.

 

[trqmnstr]

PC12Driver, where can I find the Wilcat fuel lines? Thanks

 

[sljohn]

You're right, by the time I mess around with them and arrange transportation for myself, I'd be better off just swapping it myself. So the pump should definately get me back to acceptable pressures, right?



The banjo bolt with all the fittings on it was a pain to try and thread under the filter, so I ended up just pulling the whole filter housing and doing it alll on the bench. I'm confident now I could swap the lift pump without much trouble. I might as well do it since I've got the MAD ECM on the way, and have to get back in there anyway. Any special info I need to swap the pump? Any special tools required?

 

[PC12Driver]

Wildcat is gone, but the fellow who created the system still sells 'em as the Scotty Smart Fuel System (the same Scotty of the airbox fame). His website:

http://scottyairsystems.com/

16psi at idle, 15psi cruise, and 8-9psi wfo @ 460hp, and no leaks. There's other setups that will keep the psi's higher, but I like the ability to get any replacement parts or filters at any Dodge or Cummins dealer while on the road.



The new pump should bring you back up to safe psi levels w/light mods. Much more fueling than the ECM and you'll probably want to at least upgrade the lines.



No special tools for the pump swap (I think I bought a 3/4" stubby wrench to help with clearance issuses, but that's it. And that may have been needed for the fuel line kit - it's been a while). With the fuel filter off you'll have a clear shot at it. Fuel line in, fuel line out, three nuts on the top, and a plug on the bottom. No problem. Put some dielectric grease on the plug to keep moisture out when re-assembling and expect to crank a while to get her lit back up, and that's it. And with the filter out of the way the ECM will pretty near change itself.